Hanzo of the Salamander Is My Prey

The next day, when Uchiha Gen followed Tsunade into the command tent, it was already packed with people.

Jiraiya and Orochimaru, two of the Sannin, were both there. Also present were old acquaintances from the Land of Wind battlefield, Nara Rurin, and several shinobi Uchiha Gen didn't know.

After the situation on the Land of Wind battlefield had stabilized, Tsunade had brought him here as well.

After all, although Orochimaru was the commander of the Land of Rain front, everyone knew that while he was clever, he was no match for shinobi of the Nara Clan when it came to military strategy.

Having a Nara serve as strategist was the consensus among all Konoha shinobi.

As Uchiha Gen entered the tent, he immediately drew everyone's attention.

After all, his battle record was astonishing.

Geniuses deserved kindness, especially those who had already come into their own. Everyone in the tent nodded to him in greeting.

"Now, aside from those specially assigned to organize the logistics withdrawal, everyone else is here. Let's begin planning for the decisive battle.

"Look here. According to our scouts, we know the current state of Amegakure. Given the purpose of the person who started this war, he'll inevitably choose one of the three sides for a suicidal attack to bring the war to an end.

"Based on Inoichi's profile of him, there's a very high chance he'll target Konoha. As for the reason... there's no need to explain it.

"So, to deal with Amegakure's final assault and prevent other villages from interfering while Konoha and Amegakure fight their decisive battle, we've made some preparations.

"Everyone, look here. This area borders the Land of Fire, and it's full of caves of all sizes, making it ideal for hiding or laying an ambush. Remember this location.

"This is where all our logistics personnel will be stationed after they withdraw. It will also serve as our final safeguard and line of defense in the worst-case scenario."

After nodding briefly to Uchiha Gen, Nara Rurin tapped the map behind him and spoke gravely, drawing everyone's attention back to him.

The moment Nara Rurin finished speaking, the entire command tent erupted in an uproar. Not everyone could accept a strategy that involved retreating.

With the Logistics Department withdrawing in advance, all the burdens of battle would fall on the frontline shinobi. If anyone was injured, they would have to treat themselves.

Besides, not everyone had known about the discussion in yesterday's meeting room, so some people couldn't understand Nara Rurin's decision.

They might not understand it, but no one stood up to object. After all, he was the head of the Nara Clan and, in a sense, one of the clan's most brilliant minds.

A terrifying killing intent, infused with chakra, suddenly burst out, silencing the noisy command tent in an instant.

"Quiet! Just listen. All you need to do is carry out the orders."

Beside Nara Rurin, Orochimaru folded his arms and spoke coldly. Clearly, he had unleashed the killing intent.

(T/N: Releasing killing intent and chakra is already a thing in the original Naruto. Orochimaru did it to Kakashi when he defected, Hashirama and Sasuke did it to Sasuke, and even Zabuza had this ability when he first appeared, leaving Team Seven unable to move.)

"Hm? Orochimaru... He really has reached the old man's level of strength."

Tsunade watched Orochimaru's sudden burst of chakra, understanding in her eyes.

She wasn't surprised that Orochimaru had reached Kage Level. Even she had to admit that of the three of them, Orochimaru was by far the most talented.

"Ahem. Please, everyone, calm down. I understand how you feel, but rest assured, Orochimaru and I have already made... preparations for the things you're worried about."

Nara Rurin gave a light cough, easing the oppressive atmosphere in the command tent before continuing.

"What should we do about Hanzo of the Salamander? With his strength, he'll inflict considerable damage on Konoha if he appears on the battlefield.

"His poison will be difficult to deal with on the battlefield. If someone is poisoned, they'll have to rely on Princess Tsunade for treatment. But that would leave her tied up with the wounded. Senior Rurin, do you have a plan for dealing with Hanzo of the Salamander?"

At that moment, a shinobi with light blue hair suddenly spoke up in the command tent.

"Dan, I've thought about that too..."

"I'll stop Hanzo of the Salamander."

Nara Rurin turned toward the speaker and was about to explain when Orochimaru's icy voice rang out.

"Ahahaha! I'm not about to let you have all the glory. How could a job like this possibly happen without Lord Jiraiya?"

" I'll ask Sage Katsuyu to look after the wounded on the battlefield. I'll help fight Hanzo of the Salamander too."

As soon as Orochimaru finished speaking, Tsunade and Jiraiya spoke at the same time. It was as though fate itself had quietly begun tugging at the threads of destiny.

Watching quietly from the side, Uchiha Gen's lips curled into a slight smile.

"Hanzo of the Salamander is my prey."

The next moment, Uchiha Gen's excited, combative voice followed.

Not a single shinobi in the command tent looked down on the ten-year-old boy for saying that. Geniuses were proud, and he was a genius of the Uchiha, no less.

"Lord Gen, facing a powerful opponent like Hanzo of the Salamander, one careless mistake could cost you your life."

Orochimaru folded his arms and spoke mockingly as he looked at the battle-ready boy.

"Is that so? Too bad—even if Senior Orochimaru died, I probably wouldn't. What do you think?"

Uchiha Gen's voice came from behind him, and Orochimaru's body stiffened. Several black snakes slid from his sleeves and coiled toward the space behind him, but they struck nothing.

When he looked up, he saw that Uchiha Gen had already returned to Tsunade's side, calmly playing with a Kunai.

"The Flying Thunder God Technique... But when did he leave a mark behind me? Uchiha Gen... How interesting..."

Orochimaru's snake-like pupils narrowed as he watched the Kunai in Uchiha Gen's hand. He flicked his wrist, retracted the black snakes, and licked his lips.

"I think Lord Gen is absolutely right."

A smile appeared on Orochimaru's face, but it was the sort of smile that sent a chill down one's spine.